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Profile: Summer Smith

Now that she's "bridged the gap" between community college and university study, senior communication/public relations major Summer Smith wants to show other transfer students how it's done.

When she transferred to Mississippi State in fall 2012 from Northeast Community College in Booneville, Smith said she wanted the full university experience. She joined Delta Gamma social sorority and the Student Association.

"When I went to (the SA) cabinet, I talked with another transfer there about bridging the gap. I have transfer friends who have fallen through what we call 'the gap:' They're not involved. They go to class, they go home to their apartments, and they're not active on campus," she explained.

"So we want to help transfer students figure out how to bridge this gap and be involved," she continued. They can have the full university experience, too."

Smith said her personal experience gives her the tools she needs to reach out to transfer students and help them adjust and adapt to the university environment.

"I can talk to transfer students and understand what they're going through," she said. "I was like a freshman — I got lost, I was apprehensive about trying out for anything.

"But what I've learned, and what I want to show other transfers is: Being a transfer student shouldn't stop you from anything."

Smith knew Mississippi State would be right school for her during a pre-enrollment tour meeting with John Forde, communications department head. She said Forde talked about "when" she would come to campus instead of "if."

"He said he could see me here, and he let me know I could be involved," she continued. "They didn't just give me a tour; they showed me I could be a Mississippi State student.

"I've grown so much in this first year-and-a-half. I've learned to respect tradition, I've learned about the cowbell and I've learned about the Drill. I want to carry on these traditions."